On 10/04 a deputy attempted to stop an off road utility vehicle for driving recklessly on SR 397 near Finley. The vehicle suddenly swerved across the oncoming lane of travel, striking the deputies vehicle and fled off road. The vehicle was found later by deputies and a series of off road pursuits ensued. Eventually the occupant of the vehicle crashed the utility vehicle and fled on foot and was not located. The investigation determined the vehicle was stolen out of the city of Kennewick. It has since been returned to the owner. Further investigation showed the male suspected of driving the vehicle to be 41 year old Brent R. Smith.

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Smith is also a suspect in a felony assault and another recent vehicle pursuit. On 10/09 deputies, members of the Benton County Gang Team and members of the Tri-City Regional SWAT team executed a search warrant at 70411 S. 2410 PR SE in Finley. At that location Smith was contacted and detained after being somewhat uncooperative. During a search of the residence and property for evidence of the theft of the utility vehicle, a suspected stolen rifle, a second stolen utility vehicle and suspected methamphetamine was seized.

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Smith was booked into jail for a misdemeanor warrant and unlawful possession of a firearm. As the investigation continues, more charges are anticipated to filed on Smith.